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Fort Matanzas National Monument

Monuments & memorials ·Saint Augustine ·Closed
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#21Things to do in St Augustine FloridaTravelers' Choice 2025
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About

Fort Matanzas National Monument: a 1742 coquina watchtower on Rattlesnake Island, reached only by boat from St Augustine, Florida.

More photos 9

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Fort Matanzas National Monument — Fort tower and low defensive wall beside marsh grass

Fort Matanzas National Monument — Fort tower and low defensive wall beside marsh grassFort Matanzas National Monument — The fort across blue water with wooded shore behindFort Matanzas National Monument — Stone tower and ramparts seen from the grassy groundsFort Matanzas National Monument — Fort Matanzas from the river, showing its tall stone towerFort Matanzas National Monument — The small fort across the broad Matanzas RiverFort Matanzas National Monument — Interior stone room with wooden floor and steep ladderFort Matanzas National Monument — The fort and its low shoreline wall across the riverFort Matanzas National Monument — Historic view of the fort across the waterFort Matanzas National Monument — Close view of the fort tower and upper stone rampart

Why go

  • The fort building, 50 feet long on each side and topped by a 30-foot tower
  • The five cannon of the fort, four six-pounders and one eighteen-pounder, all able to reach the river mouth
  • The view over Matanzas Inlet from the fort on Rattlesnake Island

Opening hours

Today09:00 – 17:30Show all
Monday09:00 – 17:30
Tuesday09:00 – 17:30
Wednesday09:00 – 17:30
Thursday09:00 – 17:30
Friday09:00 – 17:30
Saturday09:00 – 17:30
Sunday09:00 – 17:30

About the work

Artist
Pedro Ruiz de Olano, engineer He designed the fortified observation tower.
Material
Coquina, a soft limestone made of local shells A shellstone common in the area.

Interesting facts4

1/4

  1. Pine logs were laid under the fort to firm up the swampy ground.

    Fort Matanzas National Monument - Wikipedia

  2. The name matanzas means massacre, a reference to the killings on the inlet.

    Fort Matanzas National Monument - Wikipedia

  3. The protected land around the fort is home to threatened and endangered species.

    Fort Matanzas National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
  4. 19 photos

    A Historic American Buildings Survey record of the fort has 19 photos and 13 measured drawings.

    Fort Matanzas National Monument - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

  1. 1565The inlet takes its name from the killing of shipwrecked Huguenots there.
  2. 1740After a failed siege, Spain orders a fort built on Rattlesnake Island.
  3. 1742The coquina tower is finished as twelve British ships turn back from the inlet.
  4. Early 1820sSoldiers can no longer live inside, and the fort falls into ruin.
  5. 1916Restoration of the badly deteriorated fort begins.
Show all
  1. 1924The fort is declared a United States national monument.

Best time to visit

  • Weekdays are calmer than weekends and holidays, when the fort is busiest.
  • The fort is busiest during spring school visits.
  • Arriving early in the day makes for a calmer visit.

How to get there

  • 5 minBoatTake the boat from the visitor center on Anastasia Island. The ride to the fort takes five minutes.
  • BoatCollect a free ferry boarding pass at the fort's own visitor center, first come, first served.
  • BoatEvery family member needs a boarding pass, whatever their age. No ferry runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • ParkingParking is very limited. There is no room for buses, RVs or other oversized vehicles.

Accessibility

  • Step-free access to the fort A stairway of fifteen steps leads up into the fort.
  • Visitor center The visitor center is wheelchair accessible.
  • Restrooms The restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
  • Boat The boat to the fort is wheelchair accessible.
  • Nature trail The nature trail is wheelchair accessible.
  • Information in Braille Information about the park is available in Braille on request.

Sources: Fort Matanzas National Monument - Wikipedia · Fort Matanzas National Monument (U.S. National … · Plan Your Visit - Fort Matanzas National Monume… · Basic Information - Fort Matanzas National Monu… · Fort Matanzas National Monument - Wikipedia · Fort Matanzas National Monument - Wikipedia · checked 27 Oct 2026

Where
8635 A1A S, FL, St Augustine Florida

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

How do I get to Fort Matanzas National Monument?

Take the boat from the visitor center on Anastasia Island. The ride to the fort takes five minutes. No ferry runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Is it free to visit Fort Matanzas National Monument?

The ferry boarding pass is free. Collect it at the fort's own visitor center, first come, first served, not at the city one.

What are the opening hours of Fort Matanzas National Monument?

It is open every day from 09:00 to 17:30. The ferry to the fort does not run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Can children go to Fort Matanzas National Monument?

Every family member needs a boarding pass to ride the ferry, whatever their age. Children need their own pass too.

Is Fort Matanzas National Monument wheelchair accessible?

The fort itself is not wheelchair accessible, since a stairway of fifteen steps leads up into it. The visitor center, restrooms, dock, nature trail and boat are accessible.

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